Ghana's Ashanti Region recorded a maternal mortality ratio of 196.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025. This figure represents an increase from 195.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024. The region now accounts for 24% of all national maternal deaths, making it the highest contributor in Ghana.
A significant portion of these deaths, 15%, involved patients referred from outside the Ashanti Region. This influx of external cases complicates local health interventions. Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, highlighted that 92% of maternal deaths at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) were referrals from other regions. This situation strains the region's healthcare infrastructure and resources.
The rising maternal mortality figures in the Ashanti Region underscore broader challenges within Ghana's healthcare system. The national average for maternal deaths stands at 235 per 100,000 live births. This is nearly three times higher than the Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Persistent issues like inadequate staffing at peripheral health facilities and delayed patient referrals contribute to these concerning statistics. These factors place immense pressure on major referral centers like KATH.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. He stated that interventions must extend beyond the Ashanti Region's borders to be effective. He noted that without addressing the source of these external referrals, the problem will persist. Audits revealed that 30% of referred cases involved hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Another 19% were due to previous cesarean sections. These conditions often arrive at KATH as emergency referrals due to poor management at initial facilities.
The implications of these findings are significant for public health policy and resource allocation. Decision-makers must address the systemic issues causing referral bottlenecks and staffing shortages. Investing in primary healthcare facilities and improving skill sets at the periphery could reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals. This would also improve outcomes for pregnant women across Ghana. The Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for a collaborative effort to tackle these high maternal mortality rates. Health authorities hope that targeted referral reforms will help reverse this worrying trend. Effective strategies must consider the regional dynamics and the interconnectedness of healthcare services.
The economic impact of high maternal mortality is substantial. It leads to a loss of productive lives and places a heavy burden on families and communities. The cost of managing complicated cases, often due to delayed referrals, also strains the national health budget. Furthermore, it affects the workforce and overall economic development. A healthy population is crucial for a thriving economy. Therefore, reducing maternal deaths is not just a health imperative but an economic one. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment and strategic planning across the entire healthcare spectrum. This includes improving infrastructure, training personnel, and ensuring timely access to quality care for all pregnant women.